Today I’m officially back in the saddle! It’s been two years since i crashed and badly injured my right shoulder. Last August I finally had it operated and its taken 6 months to heal.
Now I felt ready to jump back on my bike.
Some of my friends took me out on nice and fun enduro tracks. I was a little worried how my shoulder would feel, so kept my calm just riding nice and smooth. But wow did if feel great to be back on the bike!
And no pain, or strain. I am so happy!
(Photo by Micke Nyström)

Annie & Garry are in a good mood and have done well, in spite of some problems with brakes. They got lost early in the stage, and Garry must adjust his driving, using the motor to slow down the speed.
So, it was quite exciting as the stage was rather difficult.

Connell/Seel: “Splendid stage! The terrain was like it is in Australia, in the Safari Rally. Stones, narrow, sinuous… It was awesome, I had so much fun! We passed Robby Gordon twice, and also Ronan Chabot, it was fun! Only our brakes suffered due to the hot temperature and of all the braking.”

All the competitors and teams, all in all some 700 people gathered for the official competitors briefing presented by the ASO organiser Etienne Lavigne and race director David Castera.
The emphasis is on sporting conduct and safety. And of course the spirit of the Dakar rally which is important: it’s not a race, it is THE RACE!

After the briefing all competing vehicles rolled over the starting podium and made a presentation before driving a loop for the public waiting to celebrate the competitors.

Garry and I had a great drive round town, waving, honking, and I even jumped out and danced in the street for all the people. I think we got some new fans along the road!
VIDEO Dakar intro street show, cars and trucks:Youtube.com/watch?v=hzZgxutKi8g (total 15 min) – #366 at 1:10-1:36http://Youtube.com/watch?v=lKUvEF30SCE (11 min) – Truck #552 at 5.15

In the evening we packed everything for the race car and I made my road book, which is colouring and making notes to help me while navigating for Garry.

Now the Dakar 2014 really kicks off!

About a million spectators kicking off the greatest event of the year.